All Authorised Volkswagen Service Centres Are Now Open Under the Conditional Movement Control Order Regulations

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia have recently announced that their service centres are now open for business. This follows the government's decision to allow businesses and industries to restart after the latest round of Movement Control Order regulations put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic. You can now send your Volkswagen to be looked at and given some TLC.

Brands Under the Naza Group to Restart Operations Under the New Conditional Movement Control Order

Like most of the automotive industry players, the Naza Group has decided to reopen most of the automotive brands under their wings. These include Naza Italia Sdn Bhd, NZ Wheels Sdn Bhd, Naza Kia Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Nasim Sdn Bhd, Naza Euro Motors Sdn Bhd and Naza Motor Trading Sdn Bhd. The brands that these companies represent are Mercedes-Benz, Kia, Peugeot, Citroen and DS to name a few. The Naza Automall is also open for bookings if you are looking for a grey import MPV or vehicle.

[updated] Proton to Restart Operations Today, the 5th of May 2020 As the Government Loosens the Movement Control Order Restrictions

Today is 5th May 2020. It is the day where Malaysia partially comes out of the Movement Control Order (MCO) put in place in order to try keep the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus in check. Some businesses and industries are allowed to start up again after a long 'stay at home' break and people can now travel slightly more freer than before. Of course, this means that most of the large automotive industry players have started to come out of hibernation too. Like Malaysia's PROTON.

UMW Toyota Motor ReOpens Selected Toyota Service Centres Around Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT) has received approval from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to re-open selected authorised Toyota service centres in Malaysia following the new directives pertaining to the COVID-19 Movement Control Order affecting the country. The company will open selected Toyota outlets for emergency and urgent service requirements only, at minimum capacity. So take note.

Video Test Drive: 2020 Isuzu D-Max Double Cab 1.9L AT-Premium - Capable, Well Built & Economical

Below is the video review / test drive of the 2020 Isuzu D-Max Double Cab 1.9L AT-Premium. It was  put up on the Motoring Malaysia YouTube channel last week and I have not put a link to it here. I must have forgotten about it actually.  Anyway, another video review for you guys to watch, especially since most of Malaysia and certain parts of the world are on a semi-lockdown due to the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. Watch it if you have nothing else to do folks!

Additional 'Welcome Back' After Sales Campaign Benefits for Volkswagen Owners Who Are Frontliners in the Fight Against COVID-19

Volkswagen Passengers Cars Malaysia (VPCM) have announced to us that they have updated their “Welcome Back” aftersales campaign to include additional benefits specially for Volkswagen owners who are part of the nation’s frontliners. Frontliners in this context refers to government hospitals doctors, nurses and administrators, Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) officers, Malaysian Armed Forces (Angkatan Tentera Malaysia), RELA (People’s Volunteer Corps) and Malaysia Civil Defense (Angkatan Pertahanan Awam).

MODENAS Will Be Opening Selected Service Centres During the Extended Movement Control Order Period

MODENAS, the Malaysian motorcycle company will be resuming after sales operations at selected branches throughout Peninsula Malaysia. This follows the recent statement by the Malaysian Government - via the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (“MITI”) that certain business under the automotive industry will be allowed to resume operations even though the country is under the Movement Control Order (MCO) period.

SHELL RIMULA Provides Face Masks For Truckers Who Are Still Moving on the Road in their #HEROKAMI Campaign

Shell Malaysia via the Shell Rimula brand, which is Shell's heavy duty engine oil brand for commercial vehicles, has distributed 20,000 face masks to truckers plying routes in Malaysia recently. The initiative salutes the efforts of many hardworking truckers who continue to tirelessly move essential goods across the country even during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period which is in force to control the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. 

PROTON Starts Deliveries of Face Shields Produced by Them to Medical Frontliners in the Fight Against COVID-19

Malaysian vehicle manufacturer PROTON has started producing face shields for medical frontliners. This could be the biggest commitment by the company to help fight the spread of the COVID-19 virus in Malaysia. The first batch of 8,000 units will be shipped out on 16 April 2020 to hospitals in Kelantan followed by other East coast states. 

SDAC-Ford Offering Rebates For The Ford Ranger WildTrak

The folks who are the distributors of Ford vehicles here, Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), have announced the start of its Ford Ranger WildTrak promotion which will be offered with a cash rebate of RM7,000 from now until further notice.  This and the ‘Ford Ranger XLT Family Promotion’ which is currently ongoing until 31 May 2020 which will offer customers savings of up to RM 9,000 for Ranger XLT 2.2L, RM8,000 for Ranger XLT Special Edition and RM 7,188 for XLT Plus.

SOCAR Malaysia Launches the SOCAR Business Mobility Plan

SOCAR Mobility Malaysia had, on the 15th of April 2020, launched their SOCAR Business Mobility plan. In their efforts to assist businesses with transport solutions this new initiative is aimed at delivery agents as well as small and medium businesses.

'Kia Promise' On Vehicle Warranties Expiring During the COVID-19 Lockdown Period

If you own a Kia vehicle here in Malaysia and having its warranty expiring during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period you need not worry. There is the Covid-19 ‘Kia Promise’ which extends vehicle warranties. This international warranty is by Kia Motors Corporation and it extends cover for vehicles with original manufacturer warranty that expires between February 1 and April 30, 2020.

Use GoCar For Delivery For Your Deliveries At RM30 Per Day - Good For Businesses That Need Extra Transport During The Movement Control Order Period

GoCar for Delivery is a new initiative recently announced by GoCar Malaysia. This latest service aims to help small-to-medium enterprises (SME)s provide their own delivery services to customers during the Movement Control Order (MCO) period. From what we can tell, you can use a GoCar Nissan Almera for RM30 a day for deliveries. 

Carlist.my Presents New Services - Book From Home Your Car and Future Used Car Video Listings

The folks at Carlist.my has announced two new services that they have developed in order to continue serving our customers and consumers. This has some benefits as they improve online vehicle searches (used and new) from the comfort of one's home here in Malaysia. This is especially more relevant in line with the semi-lock down nature we are currently facing due to the Covid-19 pandemic the country (and the world) is currently facing.

2020 Ford Ranger Raptor Launched - Details and How to Order One During the MCO Period

Now while we are still facing the Movement Control Order (MCO) scenario which is needed to fight against the Covid-19 coronavirus things must still be launched and news must still be forwarded. Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the chaps who are the distributors of Ford here in Malaysia has announced that the 2020 Ford Ranger Raptor has been launched here. It features more additional equipment like Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection, Forward Collision Warning and Lane Departure Warning and Assist. This makes the high performance pickup truck even better than even. DNA, the Ranger Raptor sets a new benchmark for off-road speed and capability. 

Especially in this region where we don't see many 5.0liter V8 pickup trucks!

Shell Malaysia Sends Essential Items to Medical Frontliners at Sungai Buloh and Ipoh Hospitals & Other Help Through Their Stations and Initiative with BonusLink

Shell Malaysia recently showed their support and care for the nation’s frontliners during this fight against COVID-19. Their aid was made through a series of outreach initiatives aimed to lessen the worries and challenges faced by those who are at the front of our fight against this very infectious virus. Essential items such as hand sanitizers, mineral water, food and beverages were among the items contributed and were sent to Hospital Sungai Buloh, Hospital Kuala Lumpur, and Hospital Raja Permaisuri Bainun in Ipoh.

Perodua Joins the Fight Against Covid-19 by Contributing RM2 Million to the National Disaster Management Agency

Perodua has joined the fight against COVID-19 by contributing RM2 million to the National Disaster Management Agency’s (NADMA) COVID-19 fund. In addition to the sizeable sum, Perodua has also donated 150 mattresses, 200 pillows, 105 boxes of mineral water, 15 industrial fans and 300 pairs of rubber boots to the Sungai Buloh Hospital to aid the ongoing fight against the global pandemic.

'Welcome Back' Aftersales Campaign By Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), the authorised distributors of Volkswagen cars in Malaysia has announced a “Welcome Back” aftersales campaign. The new campaign is for Volkswagen owners under the Volkswagen Cares initiative and it has been launched in lieu of the current Movement Control Order (MCO) due to the country's fight against the COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. 

Proton Announces Expiring Warranties During MCO Will Be Extended

Proton has announced that they will be extending their vehicle warranties in line with the Malaysian government's Movement Control Order (MCO) period. If you have a Proton vehicle that has an expiring warranty or you need work done under the warranty, it will still be covered once the MCO is lifted. 

The 2020 Honda City (Which Isn't Sold Here Yet) Gets a 5 Star ASEAN NCAP Safety Rating

The New Car Assessment Programme for Southeast Asian Countries (ASEAN NCAP) recently crash tested the newly launched, in Thailand, latest (7th) generation Honda City. This is the third assessment that ASEAN NCAP performed on the model in which the first was conducted in 2012 whilst the second in 2014. But note these were the earlier generation models and ASEAN NCAP has new active safety categories added this time around.

MBM Resources Berhad Donates RM300,000 to Support The Ongoing Fight Against the Covid-19 Outbreak

MBM Resources Berhad (MBMR), the company that has its hand in various segments in the automotive industry here in Malaysia recently announced a RM300,000 medical donation to support the country's public healthcare system in the ongoing battle against the novel coronavirus COVID-19. MBMR to those who are not aware are the folks behind Perodua, Daihatsu Malaysia, Hino Malaysia and various other inter-related companies who are actually quite bit in our industry.

Prestige CarCare is Offering Basic Emergency Services to Frontline Personnel Working to Curb the Spread of Covid-19

Prestige CarCare, a Klang Valley car maintenance and repair service, has offered its complimentary services which will be basic emergency services such as jump starting faulty car batteries and changing car tyres to aid frontliners who are working tirelessly for the sake of all Malaysians. Frontliners here include doctors, health workers, policemen and RELA volunteers. The services are only limited to the Klang Valley area so take note.

Buy a Volkswagen Online During the Movement Control Order

If you want a Volkswagen and cannot wait to place a booking for one even during this period where the government has put in place a Movement Control Order, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched an online showroom for Malaysians who want to buy Volkswagen. It could be the only way to book at Volkswagen since all showrooms and service centres are closed during this period. This showroom is much like their Lazada online store, but much more focused of course. 

Proton Allocates 50 Units of the Proton X70 SUV to the Ministry of Health to Assist Mobility During the COVID-19 Movement Control Order Period

What can a car manufacturer do to support the fight against the totally nasty COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak? Well, they can send some cars to help the front line personnel in carrying out their duties of course. PROTON, the Malaysian car manufacturer that is currently on a rennaissance of sorts in terms of its image has allocated 50 units of the Proton X70 SUV to the Malaysian Ministry of Health which will be used primarily to ferry medical personnel to and from work (as public transport may affect them during the Movement Contol Order period we are currently facing.

Naza Group Helps Fight the COVID-19 Outbreak by Contributing RM1.25 Million to the Government's Fight - Better Than Some Businessfolk Who Are Complaining Online

This is quite a good show by Naza Group of Companies. They have decided to contribute RM1.25 Million from their coffers to help the Malaysian government's fight against the COVID-19 outbreak in the country. This is a very good move a far cry from those businessmen and businesswomen as well as local celebrities who complain that the government hasn't given them any subsidies. This was what I had been reading on Instabook or Whatstwit earlier today

PROTON Shares Some Car Maintenance Tips to Do During The Movement Control Order and Other Times When Your Car Isn't Used for Extended Periods of Time

Proton has gotten in touch with me to share with you readers out there this short article about basic car maintenance you should do to your Proton, and any other vehicle, during this Movement Control Order (MCO) period. Since the Malaysian government has decided to make this 2 week extension into a longer one by putting on another 2 weeks to the MCO, you should take a look at the tips below so that your parked car will be able to function quite properly when life goes back to normal.

Toyota and Lexus Malaysia Operations to Remain Closed Until the Official End of the Movement Control Order & Warranty Matters

UMW Toyota Motor has official stated that in light of the recent announcement on the extension of the Movement Control Order (MCO) by the Government of Malaysia, they, the authorised distributors of Toyota and Lexus in Malaysia announced that all Authorised Toyota and Lexus Dealers will remain closed until the order is lifted.

Introducing the SDAC-Ford ‘Digital Salesperson’ - The Brand's Alternative Option for Customers to Buy a Ford in Malaysia

Sime Darby Auto Connexion (SDAC), the authorised distributor for Ford in Malaysia has launched their The ‘Digital Salesperson’. This new online style service is a dedicated WhatsApp live chat to address customer queries relating to buying a new Ford vehicle in Malaysia. These includes queries on products, ongoing promotions, and vehicle price list. This is quite relevant especially when we Malaysians are facing the current Movement Control Order period due to the COVID-19 coronavirus control measures..And could be helpful too.

MODENAS Gives Support to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Star - Helping the Frontliners in the Fight Against the COVID-19 Coronavirus Outbreak Up North

Those in the Malaysian automotive industry aren't sitting still in these times of need and where a global calamity is now upon us. The national motorcycle brand, Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (“MODENAS” or “the Company”), a subsidiary of DRB-HICOM Berhad (“DRB-HICOM”), has come out in support of our frontliners, in the fight against the outbreak of the coronavirus Covid-19 here in Malaysia. They have decided to turn their attention towards given some assistance in the form of supplies and some basic equipment to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital in Alor Setar, Kedah. The hospital is a designated Covid-19 treatment facility.

Shell Malaysia's Preventing Measures at Stations to Help Combat the COVID-19 Outbreak

During these times of the Movement Control Order which is currently ongoing till 31st March 2020 (tentatively), Shell Malaysia has stated that they remain committed to ensure the safety and well-being of their customers and their on-site staff at their Shell Stations nationwide. The safety and comfort of all those visiting their stations, and the Shell staff working at their stations are taken care of as best as they can during this period. Currently, Shell has implemented several prevention guidelines at all Shell stations nationwide in order to make these facilites as clean as possible in order to try and help limit any cases of COVID-19 infection. 

Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute (MARii) on the Movement Control Order due to COVID-19 Coronavirus - All Events Postponed

This is the second day into the Movement Control Order placed on the country by the Government of Malaysia. So lets have another announcement on the matter, this time from an agency of the government dealing with the automotive industry, MARii, the  Malaysia Automotive, Robotics and IoT Institute which is the agency that spearheads the country's automotive policy and future plans.

Mercedes-Benz Malaysia's Precautionary Measures During The Movement Control Order from Now Till 31st March 2020

As with the other press releases prior to this published on Motoring Malaysia, we have now received the official statement from Mercedes-Benz Malaysia and as it is a duty for us to spread the news to you folks out there, we are publishing the statement in full down below. It does follow the same basic bits of news like the other car companies out there. Their manufacturing facility, showrooms and service centres are all closed from 18 to 31st March 2020 in line with slowing down the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus.

Renault Malaysia's Response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus Movement Control Orders by the Malaysian Government

Okay folks, this is what I received from Renault Malaysia aka their authorised distributors TC Euro Cars (TCEC). You can actually Buy or Subscribe from the comfort of your home via the Renault E-Store, with the option of door-to-door delivery So while their showrooms and service centres are closed, you can order online and their customer assistance still available via Chat or 1800-18-8663.

Official Statement by PROTON on the Movement Control Order to Curb the Spread of the COVID-19 Coronavirus - Plus Some Extra Thoughts

Below I have published the official statement by PROTON on their Movement Control measures as regards the Malaysian Government's Movement Control Order from 18 to the 31st of March 2020 due to the efforts in curbing the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. Take note that all their facilities including showrooms, service centres and their production facilities have been shut down.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has also issued a statement where all of their authorised dealerships and service centres will be closed from the 18th to the 31st of March 2020 in lieu of the Malaysian Government's Movement Control Order as regards the COVID-19 coronavirus control measures. So if you do own a Volkswagen and it needs servicing, or need to go and buy one right away, it will have to wait until after the 31st March. If the government decides to extend the control measures, then it could be longer.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update: UMW Toyota Motor Update on All Authorised Centre Services and Upcoming Events

2020 Toyota Alphard

Down below is the official statement by UMW Toyota for all of its business operation matters throughout the Movement Control Order in Malaysia. The Movement Control Order was put in place by the Malaysian Government to combat the uprise in COVID-19 coronavirus cases here. Most of the non-essential services in government and private sector workplaces have been asked to be put on hold from the 18 to 31 March 2020. In the case of UMW Toyota's authorised outlets, they will follow suit and cease operations until 31st March.

COVID-19 Coronavirus Update - Official Statement by Perodua

I have published below the official statement by Perodua President and CEO Dato’ Zainal Abidin Ahmad as regards Perodua operations during the Movement Control Order period which was recently announced by the Government of Malaysia. Basically since all non-essential services aside from food supplies, medical, banking facilities, most government and private offices are instructed to close from tomorrow, the 18th of March to the 31st of March 2020 in order to slow down the COVID-19 pandemic. So most of Perodua's operations at their facilities have been suspended.

Politeknik Sandakan Sabah Signs Up With the Scania Ecolution Agreement for their Current Scania Bus

Politeknik Sandakan Sabah (PSS) has become the first Institute of Higher Learning in Malaysia enter into the Scania Ecolution Partnership Agreement. The Scania Ecolution programme is where Scania customers get the necessary training and coaching as well as maintenance on their vehicles so that they run cleaner and more efficient vehicles thereby lowering the carbon footprint and lessen the impact of transportation on the environment. This signing of this agreement is for their 2012 Scania K360IB4X2 student coach / bus and should help them towards their goal of being a green campus by 2023.

Shell Malaysia Rewards Lucky Customers with Child Car Safety Seats

Okay folks.... Shell is giving away a total of 138 child car seats at selected Shell stations to promote child safety on the road. This initiatiave is part of their support toward the nation’s push in enforcing the mandatory use of child car seat. You too can win an exclusive child car seat worth RM507.00 at participating Shell stations in the Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan region (Klang Valley and surrounding in simple terms). The promotional and CSR contest in currently ongoing from the 17th of February to 12th April 2020.

Shop for a good cause and save the Malayan Tapir - Volkswagen Malaysia Teams Up With Tarik Jeans For This Cause

Volkswagen has teamed up with local streetwear brand, Tarik Jeans to raise funds and awareness for the endangered Malayan Tapir with an exclusive collection called "Modern Nostalgia". Bold and quirky, the collection features a retro-futurism Malaysiana theme that will appeal to fans everywhere. 50% from the total sales of this collection will be donated to the Kenaboi Forest Reserve on World Tapir Day this 27th April 2020

Head over to https://tarik.my/modernnostalgia/.

These are the Best Automotive Insurers According to Motodata Research Consortium (MRC) - Winners of the MRC Industry Awards 2019

Recently, the winners of the prestigious Motordata Research Consortium (MRC) Industry Awards 2019 have been announced by MRC. The MRC Industry Awards are given out annually to honour outstanding insurance companies that demonstrate great initiative and commitment in the highly volatile motor insurance industry. In other words, this could be the automotive insurance companies that you may like to try the next time you buy insurance for your vehicle as their claim approval seem to be the fastest. According to this award that is...

Isuzu D-MAX 1.9 Liter Completes 1k Challenge - Driving 1,000km with 1,000kg and up to 1,000 Meters Above Sea Level On a Single Tank of Diesel

The newly launched Malaysian specification Isuzu D-Max pickup truck with the 1.9liter turbodiesel engine has proven its worth again. Having recently being driven in the hypermiling event called the Dura Miles Challenge, the new Isuzu D-Max was driven from Bangkok to Singapore on a single tank of diesel, Isuzu Malaysia had decided to push the new D-Max with its 1.9-litre Blue Power engine through another challenge shows off its performance and hauling capability.

Japan Super GT 2020 Gets Toyota GAZOO Racing Malaysia As Partner for the Malaysian Leg of the Race Series

The Japan Super GT organization has decided to parter with Toyota GAZOO Racing (TGR) Malaysia. This collaboration will see activities such as exciting Super GT experiences for enthusiasts and fans at each round of the Vios Challenge One-Make Race and TGR Festival as well as during the upcoming Malaysian leg of the Japan Super GT races at the Sepang Circuit in July. The new Toyota Supra GR will be the center stage for this partnership.

Price Drop for the MODENAS Pulsar RS200 and Dominar D400 Motorcycles

Motosikal dan Enjin Nasional Sdn Bhd (“MODENAS”) have announced a more than 10% reduction in prices for the Modenas Pulsar RS200 (above) and the Modenas Dominar D400 (below). This is quite some good news to those who would like something larger than their underbone 'kapchai' motorcycles as two of the already affordable and nice looking motorcycles have gotten much cheaper to procure. 

MINI Track Day 2020 and the Preview of the New MINI Countryman Blackheath Edition in Malaysia

The MINI Track Day 2020 at the Sepang International Circuit was held last Thursday where it brought together a bunch of MINIacs and driving enthusiasts for an exciting day of circuit driving. It saw two groups put their driving skills to the test during the MINI John Cooper Works (JCW) Track Experience and MINI Driving Experience. 

2020 Lexus UX 200 SUV Launched in Malaysia - Prices

Lexus Malaysia has brought in the All-New 2020 Lexus UX 200 Compact SUV Crossover thingy.  The UX series of SUVs is Lexus’ first Compact SUV and it has been designed to be fun to drive (for a SUV) as well as having the usual attributes and versatility of an SUV coupled with the sleek and elegant styling of a hatchback. Which is why I call it a crossover thingy SUV.

Fuel Pump Service Fix / Recall Campaign For Certain Toyota and Lexus Models (From 2013 to 2019) in Malaysia

UMW Toyota Motor Sdn Bhd (UMWT), distributor of Toyota and Lexus vehicles in Malaysia have announced Special Service Campaign (SSC) to replace the fuel pump on some Toyota and Lexus models that were sold by them in 2013 to 2019 (2014 Corolla Altis shown above). If you have one of the cars mentioned herein which were officially sold by UMWT do give them a visit to get it fixed at no charge whatsoever. Only your time is needed to get it done folks!

Environment Idaman and Their Sub-Contractor Warisan Integriti Gets New Isuzu Forward Trash Compactor Trucks

Isuzu Malaysia Sdn Bhd had, in early February, held a small handover ceremony of Isuzu FOWARD FVR trash compactor trucks by Environment Idaman Sdn Bhd, and their sub-contractor, Warisan Integriti Sdn Bhd. The trucks were bought by the companies from Indah Utara Auto Sdn Bhd, an authorised dealer of Isuzu Malaysia. According to Isuzu Malaysia, the new Isuzu Foward FVR compactor trucks are to be used for solid waste management, collection and disposal for local municipalities in Perlis and Kedah.

SITE UPDATE - MOTORING MALAYSIA Is Basically On a Break - Will Be Back Shortly

Mid-February 2020 I celebrated my birthday. I am two years to fifty and I had started writing this blog since 2006. Seriously blogging about the Malaysian automotive industry since then and writing for others in between. Boy, it has been a long time writing almost non-stop over the past decade and a bit more. A lot more.